Anyone used DVC Points for Disneyland CA - The DIS Discussion Forums

TinkTatoo · 02-26-2008, 01:36 AM

I'm thinking of a West Coast jaunt next summer and would like to spend 3 nights in Disneyland using our DVC points. Has anyone used their points to stay at either of the 3 hotels and how easy is it to book? Any comments on the 3 hotels would be appreciated as well

CustardTart · 02-26-2008, 04:03 AM

We're using points to stay at DLH concierge this summer. It was extremely simple - I emailed the request to DVC and received confirmation the following day. If it's your first time, I recommend the GCH, it's gorgeous - designed by the same architect responsible for WL and AKL tho' this time the theme is more Arts & Crafts... Plus there's direct access to DTD and CA. We stayed there for NYE 2005 and loved it. I've chosen DLH this time for purely personal selfish reasons - as a child, I had an annual with a picture of the hotel on the cover and always wanted to go...

Minniespal · 02-26-2008, 05:21 AM

We're doing the West Coast this year. I emailed DVC and like Karen received confirmation back the same day. All very simple and easy.

Again we're staying at the Grand Californian Hotel. Personally I just love this hotel.

TinkTatoo · 02-26-2008, 10:51 AM

Thanks Karen & Florence

Did you book at 11 months or did you have to wait until the 7 month window?

Quote:

Originally Posted by CustardTart

We're using points to stay at DLH concierge this summer........ If it's your first time, I recommend the GCH, it's gorgeous - designed by the same architect responsible for WL and AKL tho' this time the theme is more Arts & Crafts... Plus there's direct access to DTD and CA. We stayed there for NYE 2005 and loved it.......

I was actually thinking of DLH concierge, the reason I was going for DLH is that the rooms are supposed to be bigger and have a day bed.( DS will need his own bed) and I read that they don't even do rollaways at GCH

I'll be interested to hear what you think of the hotel and the concierge service

Quote:

Originally Posted by CustardTart

......I've chosen DLH this time for purely personal selfish reasons - as a child, I had an annual with a picture of the hotel on the cover and always wanted to go...

what a great reason

CustardTart · 02-26-2008, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinkTatoo

Thanks Karen & Florence

Did you book at 11 months or did you have to wait until the 7 month window?

I booked at slightly less than 11 months as it was early October...

Minniespal · 02-27-2008, 03:51 AM

We booked at 10 months.

We're staying at Grand Californian (Concierge), so if you need any comments/thoughts before you make a decision, just let me know.

jjpenguin · 02-27-2008, 06:08 AM

It was easy peasy. We stayed at the DLH as it was pretty expensive points wise (points went down the year after we were there!)

Don't know about concierge, the hotel was nice. Not nearly as themed as WDW but the room and bathroom were large and we had a great view of the pool and LA. The DLH is three separate towers so you may want to check that you are in the tower where the facilities are, but that will probably be concierge anyway.
It is a bit of a walk to DL from the hotel, but you can get the monorail from a bit further up the path...be prepared for a wait though...

Next time my choice would be GCH as it is more themed.

Frances999 · 02-27-2008, 11:34 AM

We've stayed at the GCH and the DLH. I prefer the DLH - the rooms are noticeably larger and we have had excellent service. The pool and grounds are very impressive, too. The GCH is nice, and in a great location, but I was a little disappointed with the rooms and the service didn't seem so good (but maybe we were just unlucky). The DLH is literally a 2 minute walk from the Downtown Disney monorail station, which connects straight into Tomorrowland of Disneyland Park. There are lots of great restaurants and shops in DTD within a few minutes walk too.

If you go for concierge, you will be in the tower closest to DTD (forget the name, they recently changed it). Our room was in this tower and we had awesome views over DTD, California Adventure and towards the Disneyland Park. It was really neat.

TinkTatoo · 02-27-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minniespal

We booked at 10 months.

We're staying at Grand Californian (Concierge), so if you need any comments/thoughts before you make a decision, just let me know.

Yes please Florence

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjpenguin

It was easy peasy. We stayed at the DLH as it was pretty expensive points wise (points went down the year after we were there!)

Don't know about concierge, the hotel was nice. Not nearly as themed as WDW but the room and bathroom were large and we had a great view of the pool and LA. The DLH is three separate towers so you may want to check that you are in the tower where the facilities are, but that will probably be concierge anyway.
It is a bit of a walk to DL from the hotel, but you can get the monorail from a bit further up the path...be prepared for a wait though...

Next time my choice would be GCH as it is more themed.

I do really like the look of the GCH but I'm worried about the room size bearing in mind that we'd need a rolloway bed.

Frances999 · 02-27-2008, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinkTatoo

I do really like the look of the GCH but I'm worried about the room size bearing in mind that we'd need a rolloway bed.

We're a family of 5 who also need the additional bed, and the GCH is not ideal for this. The rooms are small - there is no day bed, and they do not provide roll-away beds, either (I doubt a roll-away would fit). You get given sleeping bags, instead!!! Shocking for a 5 diamond hotel.

TinkTatoo · 02-27-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frances999

We've stayed at the GCH and the DLH. I prefer the DLH - the rooms are noticeably larger and we have had excellent service. The pool and grounds are very impressive, too. The GCH is nice, and in a great location, but I was a little disappointed with the rooms and the service didn't seem so good (but maybe we were just unlucky). The DLH is literally a 2 minute walk from the Downtown Disney monorail station, which connects straight into Tomorrowland of Disneyland Park. There are lots of great restaurants and shops in DTD within a few minutes walk too.

If you go for concierge, you will be in the tower closest to DTD (forget the name, they recently changed it). Our room was in this tower and we had awesome views over DTD, California Adventure and towards the Disneyland Park. It was really neat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frances999

We're a family of 5 who also need the additional bed, and the GCH is not ideal for this. The rooms are small - there is no day bed, and they do not provide roll-away beds, either (I doubt a roll-away would fit). You get given sleeping bags, instead!!! Shocking for a 5 diamond hotel.

Thanks for that

It looks like it will be the DLH for us

Minniespal · 02-29-2008, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinkTatoo

Yes please Florence

No problem Jakki

Terrif · 04-27-2008, 07:06 PM

We just came back from GC on points. We booked a garden concierge. We needed the bunk beds and trundle as we are a family of five. We did get that and were upgraded to a pool DCA park view. The view was beautiful but my kids did not fit in the bunk beds that well. The beds were small and my kids are 11, 13, 15. It would be perfect for younger kids. The service at concierge was fabulous though. They let the kids (supposed to be 16) come and go as they pleased. Location was awesome but room on small side. Never again will we share with the 3 kids! We were saving points and it did save a ton of time in the morning eating in the lounge. My son drank his weight in "free" soda. The grounds of the hotel are beautiful! I would try the DL hotel unless your kids are small.

TinkTatoo · 04-28-2008, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terrif

We just came back from GC on points. We booked a garden concierge. We needed the bunk beds and trundle as we are a family of five. We did get that and were upgraded to a pool DCA park view. The view was beautiful but my kids did not fit in the bunk beds that well. The beds were small and my kids are 11, 13, 15. It would be perfect for younger kids. The service at concierge was fabulous though. They let the kids (supposed to be 16) come and go as they pleased. Location was awesome but room on small side. Never again will we share with the 3 kids! We were saving points and it did save a ton of time in the morning eating in the lounge. My son drank his weight in "free" soda. The grounds of the hotel are beautiful! I would try the DL hotel unless your kids are small.

Thanks for that review - DS is only 11 but already 5ft 4, the small bed wouldn't suit him so we'll stick with the DLH

02-26-2008, 01:36 AM	#1
TinkTatoo Has a Tink tattoo on her shoulder Hooked on Disney Cruises Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ireland Posts: 2,913	Anyone used DVC Points for Disneyland CA I'm thinking of a West Coast jaunt next summer and would like to spend 3 nights in Disneyland using our DVC points. Has anyone used their points to stay at either of the 3 hotels and how easy is it to book? Any comments on the 3 hotels would be appreciated as well __________________

02-26-2008, 04:03 AM	#2
CustardTart I am sooo proud, happy, relieved and impressed - it's a great day... Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: South West London... Posts: 15,478	We're using points to stay at DLH concierge this summer. It was extremely simple - I emailed the request to DVC and received confirmation the following day. If it's your first time, I recommend the GCH, it's gorgeous - designed by the same architect responsible for WL and AKL tho' this time the theme is more Arts & Crafts... Plus there's direct access to DTD and CA. We stayed there for NYE 2005 and loved it. I've chosen DLH this time for purely personal selfish reasons - as a child, I had an annual with a picture of the hotel on the cover and always wanted to go... __________________ Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - Christmas 1998 * Dolphin/Vero Beach - Easter 2000 * Polynesian - August 2001 * Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - August 2004 * Beach Club/DCL Wonder - May 2005 * Grand Californian Hotel - NYE 2005 * Polynesian - August 2006 * DCL Magic Western Caribbean - September 2007 * Yacht Club - October 2007 * Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa - December 2007 * Villas at Wilderness Lodge/DCL Wonder Double Dip - May 2008 * DCL Magic Mexican Riviera/Disneyland Hotel - August 2008 * Boardwalk Villas - October 2008 * Animal Kingdom Villas/Hard Rock Hotel Club - Easter 2009 * Bay Lake Tower/DCL Magic Eastern Caribbean & Tortola/Villas at Wilderness Lodge - September 2009 * Bay Lake Tower - June 2010 * DCL Magic Westbound Transatlantic - September 2010 * Old Key West - October 2010 * Sequoia Lodge/Paris - November 2010 * Boardwalk Villas/DCL Dream Inaugural Cruise - January 2011 * Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa/Villas at Wilderness Lodge - November 2011 * Animal Kingdom Villas/DCL Fantasy Western Caribbean - November 2012...

02-27-2008, 06:08 AM	#7
jjpenguin A penguin with mouse ears & wooden shoes? I'm going to sulk!! Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Jozi, Jo'burg, City of Gold Posts: 3,302	It was easy peasy. We stayed at the DLH as it was pretty expensive points wise (points went down the year after we were there!) Don't know about concierge, the hotel was nice. Not nearly as themed as WDW but the room and bathroom were large and we had a great view of the pool and LA. The DLH is three separate towers so you may want to check that you are in the tower where the facilities are, but that will probably be concierge anyway. It is a bit of a walk to DL from the hotel, but you can get the monorail from a bit further up the path...be prepared for a wait though... Next time my choice would be GCH as it is more themed. __________________ July 1974 Offsite * Feb 1997 Offsite * Feb 1998 Offsite * Feb 1999 Offsite * Feb 2000 POFQ and Disney Wonder * March 2001 DLP Sequoia Lodge * Nov 2001 1st DVC trip VWL + OKW * March 2003 BWV + AKL Concierge * May 2004 HH + BCV for Star Wars Weekends * Nov 2004 OKW solo trip * Feb 2005 Disneyland * Sept 2005 DVC Member Cruise & Vero Beach * May 2006 Star Wars Weekends again, at BWV * Sept 2006 2nd Solo trip at ASMu and SSR * May 2007 Using up our AP at OKW - Pirates of the Caribbean Adventure on the 7 Seas Lagoon * Sept 2007 Very last minute quick fix solo trip at SSR! * Sept 2008 - DH and me at SSR

02-27-2008, 11:34 AM	#8
Frances999 DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: San Francisco, CA/Bath, England Posts: 2,805	We've stayed at the GCH and the DLH. I prefer the DLH - the rooms are noticeably larger and we have had excellent service. The pool and grounds are very impressive, too. The GCH is nice, and in a great location, but I was a little disappointed with the rooms and the service didn't seem so good (but maybe we were just unlucky). The DLH is literally a 2 minute walk from the Downtown Disney monorail station, which connects straight into Tomorrowland of Disneyland Park. There are lots of great restaurants and shops in DTD within a few minutes walk too. If you go for concierge, you will be in the tower closest to DTD (forget the name, they recently changed it). Our room was in this tower and we had awesome views over DTD, California Adventure and towards the Disneyland Park. It was really neat. __________________ *~~ Our Disney Holidays ~~* Polynesian Resort - Concierge Lagoon View (x3) Trip Report & Regular Lagoon View (x2) Bay Lake Tower - Magic Kingdom View 2 Bedroom Villa (x1), Bay Lake View 2 Bedroom Villa (x1) Grand Floridian - 2 Bedroom Suite, Royal Palm Club (x1), RPC (x1), Garden View (x1) Animal Kingdom Lodge - Savannah Concierge (x1) Boardwalk Inn - Concierge (x1) Yacht Club - Water View (x1) Hard Rock Hotel - Garden View (x1), Club Level (x1) Portofino Bay Hotel - Bay View (x1), Deluxe (x1) Trip Report Disneyland Hotel Paris - Regular (x1), Castle Club Park View (x2) & Tinker Bell Suite (x1) Newport Bay Club Paris - Admiral Floor (x1) Grand Californian - Standard (x1) Concierge (x1) Disneyland Hotel, California - Resort View (x1) Trip Report

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02-26-2008, 05:21 AM	#3
Minniespal The Original 'Free Spirit' Who's Next?? Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 52,304	We're doing the West Coast this year. I emailed DVC and like Karen received confirmation back the same day. All very simple and easy. Again we're staying at the Grand Californian Hotel. Personally I just love this hotel.

02-27-2008, 03:51 AM	#6
Minniespal The Original 'Free Spirit' Who's Next?? Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 52,304	We booked at 10 months. We're staying at Grand Californian (Concierge), so if you need any comments/thoughts before you make a decision, just let me know.

04-27-2008, 07:06 PM	#13
Terrif Earning My Ears Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 60	We just came back from GC on points. We booked a garden concierge. We needed the bunk beds and trundle as we are a family of five. We did get that and were upgraded to a pool DCA park view. The view was beautiful but my kids did not fit in the bunk beds that well. The beds were small and my kids are 11, 13, 15. It would be perfect for younger kids. The service at concierge was fabulous though. They let the kids (supposed to be 16) come and go as they pleased. Location was awesome but room on small side. Never again will we share with the 3 kids! We were saving points and it did save a ton of time in the morning eating in the lounge. My son drank his weight in "free" soda. The grounds of the hotel are beautiful! I would try the DL hotel unless your kids are small.